On Oct. 1, approximately 75 attendees gathered either in-person at Texas’ Sheraton North Houston Hotel or on the Zoom online platform to experience both technical and business presentations for the second Women in Pest Control (WIPC) conference and trade show.
The event kicked off the night before with a dinner reception for in-person attendees.
What began — and continues today — as a very active, private Facebook group in 2017 led to the creation of the first conference in 2019, which Pest Management Professional reported on as its December 2019 cover story. Plans for a 2020 installment were scrapped because of the pandemic.
The next WIPC conference is set to take place Sept. 29-Oct. 1, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. More information will be posted as it becomes available online at WomenInPestControl.wixsite.com.
Before the technical presentations got underway, Women in Pest Control (WIPC) co-founders Lisa Myers-Botts and Bobbie Terry recognized Melisa Arnold, ACE, left, and Becky Salas, right, as winners of the 2021 WIPC awards. They each received $2,000 to help grow their businesses, a sponsor “care package” and one year of free business consulting. PHOTO: MICHELLE HAPPLE PHOTOGRAPHY FOR PMP MAGAZINE
Control Solutions Inc.’s Dr. Janis Reed, BCE, kicked off the technical presentations by sharing “7 Secrets to Cockroach Control.” PHOTO: MICHELLE HAPPLE PHOTOGRAPHY FOR PMP MAGAZINE
Nisus Corp.’s Marty Keane, BCE, reminded attendees that “termites do more damage to homes than fires, floods and natural disasters combined.” PHOTO: MICHELLE HAPPLE PHOTOGRAPHY FOR PMP MAGAZINE
“Ants are like 3-year-old children: ‘I’ll eat that. Wait, no! I won’t eat that!” joked Texas A&M extension entomologist Janet Hurley during her presentation on integrated pest management (IPM). PHOTO: MICHELLE HAPPLE PHOTOGRAPHY FOR PMP MAGAZINE
Attendees were mindful of social distancing during the event. PHOTO: MICHELLE HAPPLE PHOTOGRAPHY FOR PMP MAGAZINE
A positive attitude, a lifelong learner approach, confidence, competence — these qualities will lead to becoming an industry leader, business coach Jen Gaudet shared during her presentation. PHOTO: MICHELLE HAPPLE PHOTOGRAPHY FOR PMP MAGAZINE
Patti Witten of Witten Pest Control, Adkins, Texas, left, was the inaugural recipient of the Bobbie Terry Humanitarian Award for her tireless work in local dog rescue. A plaque was presented by Terry herself, right. WIPC currently is accepting nominations for the 2022 award. PHOTO: MICHELLE HAPPLE PHOTOGRAPHY FOR PMP MAGAZINE
Before the lunch break, Nanette Rota with Bug Prep Squad, left, honored (from left) Victoria Myers-Lopez, Lisa Myers-Botts and Bobbie Terry each with a “Superstar’ award for their efforts in making the conference a reality. PHOTO: MICHELLE HAPPLE PHOTOGRAPHY FOR PMP MAGAZINE
Dr. Nina Jenkins, a Pennsylvania State University entomology research associate professor and a co-founder of ConidioTec, gave attendees an overview on bed bugs via Zoom. PHOTO: PMP STAFF
Rachel McElroy, president of Harper Grayson Communcations, advised attendees on how to “cut through the clutter” of social media by finessing their marketing strategies. PHOTO: PMP STAFF
Michele Nelson, HR director for ABC Home and Commercial Services, Austin, Texas, presented an overview about sexual harassment and the law. PHOTO: PMP STAFF
At the accompanying trade show featuring exhibitors, Pest Management Professional magazines were available for attendees to take. PHOTO: MICHELLE HAPPLE PHOTOGRAPHY FOR PMP MAGAZINE
About the Author
Heather Gooch is the editor-in-chief for PMP magazine. She can be reached at hgooch@northcoastmedia.net or 330-321-9754.
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